Thanks for sharing Dan. https://www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/macfarlanes-bid-diversity-cv-blind-interview, RPC Assessment Centre- business meeting exercise, AC feedback - lack of understanding the trainee's role, The negotiation exercise is usually a sponsorship deal. Before this we had fifteen minutes to read over a scenario involving the ethics of coming across inside information and whether or not to use it. The scenario was an acquisition of an airline. Then prepare the usual motivation questions, competency, but the interview went very quickly. Second: split into two pairs and negotiating four terms (each had to win two points). Overall good questions ! Read the Financial Times and The Economist An excellent way to develop your commercial awareness - be sure to consider how these major events may have a practical, commercial impact in the legal sector. Coming up with solutions to current legal issues was a bit tricky. Comp and culture? Its difficult to prepare for. Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers. We can also tailor your interviews on our schemes around these times as well as at assessment day stage. We look for candidates who want to build a long-term career at the firm and who have the skills to thrive under the responsibility we will give them. Each year we recruit 33trainees with the aim of training them to be the future partners of the firm. Try and maintain eye contact when appropriate. I did not study law at university. When discussing your application really consider what you have learnt and the skills you have developed. Discover anonymous reviews now! Are there any programmes for me? You can find out more in our privacy policy at any time by going to the link in our footer. Hey, I did one last year and I'm not sure if it has changed or not, but this is how . If you are studying law, you can apply in your penultimate year and onwards for both a vacation scheme and the training programme. Anyone else 12 weeks behind with uni work? Solicitor | Macfarlanes Profile Highlights: State school educated Ethnic minority First generation lawyer Contact Me To contact me, please login or register Profile: I am a Solicitor at Macfarlanes LLP having qualified in September 2017. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. While many of our practice areas can be found at other firms, the mix cannot. The final exercise was a blind interview with a partner. The vast majority of our graduate recruitment assessment processes are scored CV blind. Its very difficult to prepare for the quick scenario to discuss, but think about privileged information and codes of ethics for solicitors. on what they might expect to gain out of a trust. Thanks a lot in advance! The Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund, which is backed by 18 major law firms, has secured funding for its first cohort of social welfare legal workers to begin their journey to qualifying as solicitors via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). Anyone else 12 weeks behind with uni work? I've been invited to an assesment Day following my application. Can I apply for the vacation scheme or training programme? The second element was an interview with a partner about competencies. No, we do not accept applications after the deadline has passed. What do employees say about pay and career opportunities? The day on the whole is quite, usually from 9-4:30- but the rest of the activities are not assessed so it does allow you to relax and meet the trainees! Glassdoor users rated their interview experience at Macfarlanes as 87.5% positive with a difficulty rating score of 3.38 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty). The knowledge you gain from an event will help when you write your application. Weinvite up to 15% of applicants to attend one of a series of assessment days held at the firm's office to assess them for a place on one of our vacation schemes. Real Estate. Has anyone here used upwork or other similar sites to initially get work to start your own firm? Privacy policy - Macfarlanes What happens if I have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)? I am studying a four year degree course, with a year abroad in my third year. What is it like? The firms CSR programme uses the skills and time of our people associates and business services to support disadvantaged communities, through providing practical help and financial support. I have some legal work experience already, and I know I want to be an associate at Macfarlanes. Thoughts on Wilson Elser? We will set measurable targets against our three strategic priorities. Robert Collard > Macfarlanes LLP > London > England | Lawyer Profile Yes, we have four inclusive staff network groups: Each network has a steering group committee of partners, associates and business services staff who meet regularly to discuss the strategy of the group and to arrange events. 7 things that make Macfarlanes 'meaningfully different' How would you deal with a disruptive associate when you are giving presentation ? Upon successful completion of the SQE and QWE will I be able to apply for an NQ role at the firm? Please note this in the additional information section on the application form or include the module in the education section and list TBC in the grade column. It involved knowledge of intermediary maths, which if you havent done since GCSE can be a bit tough. We recruit 55 participants across our three vacation schemes annually. Partners and Graduate Recruitment were both friendly and made sure that I felt comfortable on the day. Our HR team liaise with third party occupational health and other medical professionals. Any work experience, within the legal sector or elsewhere, will be taken into account when we review your application. For those candidates completing the PGDL, you need to achieve a commendation or above on the first sitting. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture throughout the firm, from entry level to partnership. Can I still apply? The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. As a firm, we also have a collective responsibility to the wider community and the environment around us. Do not feel pressured to respond too quickly, but take time to give considered answers. Macfarlanes is a distinctive London-based law firm, focused on its clients and on delivering excellence in the international legal market. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. No. Partners and Graduate Recruitment were both friendly and made sure that I felt comfortable on the day. Online application. Be the first to find this interview helpful, Why Law Why Macfarlanes Describe a time when you overcame an obstacle, "Are you resilient?" I have had a bad experience in the past and feel it is safer not to disclose my disability. We are a distinctive London-based law firm with a unique combination of services built and shaped around the needs of our clients. The format at the Assessment Centre was as follows: Negotiation exercise Presentation from trainees Written exercise Interview + case study Work shadowing For the negotiation exercise, just be yourself ensure you speak and make valid points as they assess everything you say. We had limited time to work out a company share buy out situation, and write a letter to the client. Investment Management. I wrote my letter to the wrong person and I think this was the single biggest challenge to my chances of success. Sponsored by Milbank LLP. Share Plan Lawyers Group; ESOP Centre. Use The Beginners Guide to a Career in Law to get started, Find out about the various legal apprenticeships on offer and browse vacancies with The Law Apprenticeships Guide, Information on qualifying through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, including preparation courses, study resources, QWE and more, Discover everything you need to know about developing your knowledge of the business world and its impact on the law, The latest news and updates on the actions being taken to improve diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, Discover advice to help you prepare for and ace your vacation scheme, training contract and pupillage applications, Your first-year guide to a career in law find out how to kickstart your legal career at this early stage, Your non-law guide to a career in law everything you need to know about converting to law. We do, however, give feedback to candidates who attend an assessment day. The Social Mobility Foundation revealed its top 75 UK employers for social mobility earlier in the week, with law firms making up 30% of the listed employers. We know each other personally which means we work together with more cohesion, and less formality. 1 written exercise - drafting a memo to a partner and a letter to a client to resolve a complaint. If you are interested in a career in commercial law and would like a career at Macfarlanes, we welcome your application. If your application is unsuccessful at the application stage, yes, you can reapply for any programme. The in-tray exercise is also difficult to prepare for, because its largely dependent on the situation before you. Commercial awareness. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. If I need additional support during the assessment process, who should I contact? Law firms have raised more than 600,000 to support 65 hopeful social welfare lawyers through theSolicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). Anonymous Interview Candidate in London, England, I applied online. We have opportunities for qualified lawyers, trainees and business services who are looking for outstanding career development. Sponsored by Gowling WLG (UK) LLP. The scheme will comprise of skills workshops, work shadowing and presentations. 1 negotiation exercise - group work based exercise with a partner. Privacy policy - Macfarlanes Initial greeting with HR (claim to fame or claim to shame icebreaker), then a group exercise, a talk from a trainee and an NQ and a written exercise. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, Border Force Apprenticeships September 2022 campaign, Official University of Glasgow 2023 Applicant Thread, What is the benefit of going to an 'elite' university, Transferring after completing of Loughborough Foundation year, Official: King's College London A100 2023 Entry. Make sure you read everything and use the information given to come up with a response to claimant in the scenario and dont award him too much compensation! Pretty straightforward, nice talking to the recruitment managers. Spring/Summer 2022 - Receive your training programme offer from Macfarlanes. 30/04/2023 Ashfords Exeter Summer Scheme 1. Immigration lawyers deal with all legal matters relating to immigration and nationality. Corporate tax involves involves advising clients on the tax risks associated with acquiring, selling or restructuring assets. The maximum word count for each of these questions is 300 words. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. There were three elements. . Sessions start on the week of the 13th March! The process took 1 day. Large projects involve lawyers specialising in finance, construction and corporate law. Yes, in 2021 we launched the Macfarlanes Legal Academy. Macfarlanes Interview Questions (2023) | Glassdoor Be sure to contribute in the group exercise. Assessment Centres - The Legal 500 Future Lawyers - Lex 100 Has anyone here used upwork or other similar sites to initially get work to start your own firm? Anonymous Interview Candidate in London, England, I applied online. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Found out from the recruiter that they hired the daughter of a friend of a partner instead - who had been interviewed, offered and accepted in the two weeks theyd been delaying on sending me the assessment. Macfarlanes - Cheeky Little Careers Tax. Do you accept applications from people like me? I know it consists of a negotiation exercise, interview, and written task, and would appreciate any details. Very friendly and relaxed. We advise on procurement strategies, development agreements, building contracts, professional appointments, warranties, guarantees and bonds, risk and project management and dispute avoidance. We sat around in a conference room and there were ice-breakers. The second exercise was a written exercise: a letter to a client advising on whether they had grounds to sack some employees. Our vacation scheme gives you a two-week snapshot of life as a Macfarlanes trainee. This was about due diligence and buying a company, so an awareness of what is important is good (debtors defaulting and guarantees, ongoing contracts). Our inclusion team regularly share invitations to firmwide religious and cultural events, and they created a document called Working with colleagues of different faiths. Commercial lawyers focus on trade, from commercial agreements about supply, manufacture and distribution to identifying the best routes to market. Sponsored by Cooley (UK) LLP. The coordinators were really helpful and gave me a prep call before so I knew what to expect from it. It was about different categories of shareholders and shares, (apply the companys articles to a problem scenario) and needed a numerical answer for the value the company could recover (no calculator but very basic maths, e.g.dividing by 10). Anonymous Interview Candidate in London, England, I applied online. We are committed to reduce any negative environmental impact from our business operations and to continually improve our environmental performance. The case study was very interesting to read it through and discuss with the partners. All other questions have a limit of 300 words. Privacy policy - Macfarlanes Its really important that your application isnt just generic if you want to make it through to the interview stage. Has anyone here used upwork or other similar sites to initially get work to start your own firm? If you gain a place on one of our assessment days, you will find out more about the firm during the day. The form is designed to give you every opportunity to tell us about yourself and show your interest in Macfarlanes. They also encouraged me to apply for a TC next year which I think bodes well as I think they thought I was a strong candidate who just lacked a bit of experience at this stage. Legal profession most represented sector in 2020 Social Mobility Employer Index. They discuss adjustments required by our employees and ensure these are implemented. Macfarlanes is unlike any other law firm. Do you use psychometric testing in the application process? They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. It is not a win lose situation, be cooperative and collaborate with your team mates. I graduated some years ago. For the negotiation exercise, just be yourself ensure you speak and make valid points as they assess everything you say. Our early legal careers team works closely with external diversity organisations, such as Aspiring Solicitors, Rare and upReach. Summer/Autumn 2023 - Begin studying for the SQE with BPP. What to expect from Macfarlanes LLP training contract. Can trainees get involved in pro bono work at Macfarlanes? It's great they gave you such detailed feedback. We reimburse reasonable travel expenses for candidates who attend an assessment day for our vacation scheme or training programme. Resilience - that is a grit and ambition to take on real responsibility. No. We would really encourage anyone with disabilities and long-term or mental health conditions to share as much information as they can during the application process. The coordinators were really helpful and gave me a prep call before so I knew what to expect from it. Thanks! Macfarlanes interview details: 23 interview questions and 24 interview reviews posted anonymously by Macfarlanes interview candidates. Salaries, reviews, and more - all posted by employees working at Macfarlanes. More than 90% of UK law firms that responded to a survey by accountancy network MHA said they had made a profit since March 2020. No, not at all. Some common areas that lead to applicants not passing the application stage include lack of research on the firm, poor spelling, grammar and punctuation, not meeting the minimum requirements, not fully articulating your motivations, needing more complete or more succinct responses to questions, poor example choices and repetition of ideas. There was minimal technical hiccups and I felt welcomed at the firm. Large listed and private companies, trustees and start-ups turn to Macfarlanes LLP for assistance with the design, implementation and operation of employee share plans and incentive . a written exercise. Applications open on 26 September 2022 online via our website and will close on 27 January 2023. You are using an out of date browser. Our first-year insight scheme is aweek-long event designed to provide students with an insight into City law. Not usually, unless you fall into the category of experienced hires or foreign qualified lawyers described in our SQE policies. Over at @macfarlanesgrad, they're challenging the Instagram vs reality stereotypes and laying bare what makes the firm #meaningfullydifferent. Apply. Each year, we complete submissions for the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme as well as for the Social Mobility Employer Index. Then if successful invited to an assessment day. Strong academics. The SQE launches in autumn 2021 and is a new assessment process all aspiring future lawyers need to undertake. We have no minimum requirements for A level results. The Pupillage Interview/Acceptance/Rejection Thread 2023 Watch, Got offered Clifford Chance interview etc and don't know what to do lol. What I would say is so make sure you finish the letter, even if it isnt your best! Common stages of the interview process at Macfarlanes according to 24 Glassdoor interviews include: Glassdoor has millions of jobs plus salary information, company reviews, and interview questions from people on the inside making it easy to find a job thats right for you. Please get in touch with the Inclusion and CSR team if you have further questions. Macfarlanes is unlike any other law firm. Why do you want to become a solicitor? Work can include being asked to draft a real letter and then working through the draft with a solicitor or trainee or carrying out some research on a live issue for a client. We welcome applicationsfrom candidates with either a law or non-law background with outstanding academics, including apredicted 2.1 degree or above. You should therefore not worry about applying to us as soon as the applications open. Macfarlanes Assessment Day. - The Student Room Absolutely, yes. Among the different types of client in this area are performers, managers and agents, artists, theatres, broadcasters and publishers. Macfarlanes Assessment Centre | The Corporate Law Academy Forum Join our training to understand the financial world. When is the deadline for the vacation scheme? 1st stage interview, behaviour questions Two people from the lawtech group It was good to relax us a little bit before things started. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The process took 1 day. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. What are your thoughts about xyz? We always recruit trainees from both vacation schemes and direct training programme applications in each intake. Written exercises: Attention to detail, true or false logic, and conditionality Contentious construction work involves the resolution of disputes while non-contentious work involves drafting and negotiating contracts and advising on projects. Employment lawyers work across all areas of employment law, including handling discrimination, staff restructuring and whistleblowing issues. This details practices from mainstream religions that could affect individuals at work. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Macfarlanes is big on resilience, which is difficult to think about on the spot so make sure you prepare specific situations and structure your answer well. Try to ignore unnecessary details. Because we respect your right to privacy, below you will find descriptions on the types of cookies used on this site and options to opt out where preferred. Why Macfarlanes and what values resonate with you, Tax restructuring scenario for a group of companies. Make sure to give clear advice and really watch the time. A national fund designed to boost social mobility within the legal profession, address the recruitment and retention crisis, and ultimately improve access to justice has been launched. Leadership skills. Then we had lunch with trainees and partners, which was a little intimidating at first but fine once we were going. No, we do not currently use psychometric testing at any stage of the application process. For example, we recently hosted a panel session with InterLaw Diversity Forum on disability in the workplace. Because we respect your right to privacy, below you will find descriptions on the types of cookies used on this site and options to opt out where preferred. We recently published a firmwide video on our intranet to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiverse conditions such dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism in the workplace. To find out what it's like to undertake a placement at Macfarlanes read the firm's Vacation Scheme Insider report. Interview + case study The first was a written exercise which was a letter to a client, a holiday company, about a complaint they had received by one of their customers, with advice about their liabilities and what they should offer by way of compensation. Yes, but any training programme offer would be subject to your having the right to work in the UK for the duration of your training programme. If I have completed the LPC, will I still need to complete the Macfarlanes SQE preparation course? If you are unsuccessful at an assessment day, you should discuss reapplying with a member of the graduate recruitment team. Please ensure you re-familiarise yourself with your application before the day. What makes a successful application to Macfarlanes - Bright Network To understand more about how we use cookies or to change your cookie preferences, click on Showsettings. You can detail this on your application form. At Bright Network we use cookies and similar technologies to help deliver you the best possible experience. To save you time . Is there a dress down policy at the firm? However, if you do not meet these requirements and you have extenuating circumstances, you may still apply. There was minimal technical hiccups and I felt welcomed at the firm. SQE 1 tests your functional legal knowledge through multiple choice questions. Agreed - very useful going forwards! All content 2023 Macfarlanes LLP. The associate may ask some follow up questions about the negotiation. We recruit 33 trainees who join us every September. Interviewers were polite and asked not too hard questions. However, if you feel you have a good understanding of what life is like as an associate and have researched the firm well, you can apply directly for our training programme. Saw the below headline today in The Lawyer. Catherine Morgan-Guest Senior manager, early legal careers The process took 2+ months. A vacation scheme at Macfarlanes is a two-week snapshot into life as a trainee. As regards the written exercise, it was certainly the most difficult part of the assessment day (or open day as they call it), and involved basic calculations without a calculator. Together we support and attract diverse talent to the legal industry, as well as provide support. The scheme is a great opportunity to find out whether Macfarlanes is right for you. 1 partner - commerciality interview - interview about current affairs and your recommendations for how the firm would deal with certain cases. Then you can start the Macfarlanes SQE preparation course alongside your cohort of Macfarlanes future trainees. Got a case study or group exercise coming up? Continue Reading Interview Questions Q: Why you choose Macfarlanes? Overall good questions ! I did 4 partner interviews over a period of 6 weeks, only for them to suddenly ask me to do an assessment. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. Does Macfarlanes partner with any external diversity organisations? Just really know what you are good and bad at. The network runs awareness-raising events and socials and provides networking opportunities both internally and with our clients. Stay calm and work through it one step at a time! Our unrivalled blend of expertise, agility and culture means we have the flexibility to meet their most challenging demands and adapt to the changing world around us. See what employees say it's like to work at Macfarlanes. This employer has not claimed their Employer Profile and is missing out on connecting with our community. It also looks into your motivations for pursuing a career in commercial law at Macfarlanes; and. Firms reinstate NQ pay and tell staff they can choose how and when to work. Nice experience, the interviewers were very friendly and willing to help with any questions I had. We spoke to the early legal careers team at Macfarlanes to gain some key insights and top tips on how you can stand out to this leading law firm. You will also be assigned a partner who will act as your mentor throughout the training programme. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. If I am undertaking the SQE independently, will the firm sign off my QWE? Why do you want to become a solicitor? A long application followed by an assessment centre with a case study, partner/associate interview and written exercise. JavaScript is disabled. Rene Lai on LinkedIn: I'm thrilled to share that I have accepted a